“The Dunstable Rural Land Trust was founded (as Dunstable Civic Association) in 1974. Our mission is focused on preserving, conserving, and educating people about the beautiful rural landscape that is Dunstable, Massachusetts. With almost 800 acres entrusted to us today, we work together to ensure that these landscapes are forever available to the residents of Dunstable, MA and beyond to experience and enjoy forever (and a day).” – from the DRLT website.
Rain was just starting to fall as I sat on a granite bench atop a knoll overlooking a beautiful Dunstable landscape. Below me a large field, imprinted with walking trails, separates the hill from a pond. Behind me, along the edge of the field, several trails tunnel into the woods. I was at the end of a four mile walk at property owned by the Dunstable Rural Land Trust.
Beginning at the small parking lot along Main Street, I walked a clearly defined road-width path that quickly opened into a large field and pond. A couple of granite benches invited relaxation but first I had to finish a walk I started in January. I continued along the Blue Trail from one large field into another, pond and marsh to my left. Trail markers are color coded and easy to follow with a map in hand. Some trails showed signs of motorized vehicle traffic but I did not meet up with any vehicles only several dog walkers. It’s easy walking here with a few gradual inclines. Into the woods, I followed the Yellow Trail to the Black Trail. At the end of January I had come to the DRLT to snowshoe. The parking lot along Main Street was unplowed, in over two feet of newly fallen snow so I headed north to the parking lot at the Nashua River Rail Trail in order to enter the DRLT trails from that end. The snow was deep and the trail uncut. I made it about a mile into the property and took a photo of snow dusted oak.
After making the connection, with heavy clouds overhead, I turned back hoping to beat the rain. Back at the beginning, a stone bench sits atop a knoll overlooking the beginning field and pond. I climbed the short hill to enjoy a very nice view and got a couple of photos before the clouds gave way.
Notice a different photo format? I dug out an old film camera for this walk. Yashica LM twin lens reflex – twelve shots per roll. The 120 film went to California to be developed and scanned.
Walkingjane walk – Dunstable Rural Land Trust
Date: April 20, 2015
Distance: 4.25 miles
Weather: clouds, rain, 52 degrees
Fee: none
Pets: yes, on leash
What I liked about this walk: beautiful Dunstable landscape, fields, ponds, hills, forest, marked trails, many miles of trails
What I didn’t like about this walk: although there are many open spaces some trails felt remote – bring a friend. Small parking lot along Main Street.